How to Knit Faster: Speed Knitting Techniques

For many of us who are passionate about knitting, there comes a point when we wish we could finish projects just a little faster. Whether you’re on a deadline to complete a gift or just eager to start your next big project, learning how to knit faster without sacrificing quality is a valuable skill.

Speed knitting techniques can help you boost your efficiency, maintain accuracy, and still enjoy the process of creating something by hand.

In this article, I’ll share some tried-and-true methods that will help you knit faster without compromising the satisfaction that comes from crafting a beautiful, handmade piece.

From adjusting your technique to using the right tools, these tips are designed to elevate your knitting game.

1. Choose the Right Needles

The tools you use play a significant role in how quickly you can knit. Selecting the right needles for the project can make a noticeable difference in your speed.

Use Circular Needles: Even if you’re knitting flat, circular needles can help you knit faster because they allow your stitches to slide more easily. You’re not constantly adjusting and moving stitches like you would with straight needles.
Consider Needle Material: Metal or plastic needles tend to be faster than wood or bamboo because they have less friction, allowing the yarn to glide smoothly. However, if you're prone to dropped stitches, be cautious with slicker needles until you’re comfortable with them.
Pick Larger Needles for Chunky Projects: If your project allows for a thicker yarn and larger needle size, switching to a bulkier setup can make each row go by more quickly. The larger the stitches, the fewer you’ll need to complete your project.

Finding the right tools for the job sets the foundation for knitting more efficiently.

2. Practice Continental Knitting

One of the most effective ways to knit faster is to master the Continental knitting method. This technique, sometimes referred to as "picking," is often faster than the English style of knitting because it involves less movement.

Less Motion, More Efficiency: In Continental knitting, you hold the yarn in your left hand and "pick" the yarn with the needle, rather than "throwing" it with your right hand as you would in English knitting. This reduces the amount of hand movement, speeding up your process.
Faster Purling: One major advantage of Continental knitting is that it also makes purling faster, which is great for projects that alternate between knits and purls frequently, like ribbing or seed stitch.
Practice Is Key: If you’re not used to this method, it might feel awkward at first, but with practice, it becomes much more fluid and natural. Start with small projects like washcloths or swatches to get the hang of it.

Switching to Continental knitting can significantly improve your knitting speed, particularly for patterns with a lot of knit-purl combinations.

3. Use the Right Yarn

Just as needles can affect your speed, the yarn you use can either help or hinder your efficiency. Selecting the right type of yarn for faster knitting is a subtle but important step.

Smooth, Slippery Yarns: Yarns like silk, bamboo, or blends with a bit of nylon tend to glide over needles more smoothly than rougher or more textured yarns. This can cut down on the time it takes for each stitch to form.
Avoid Splitty Yarn: Certain yarns, especially those with multiple loosely spun plies, can split easily, causing you to constantly fix mistakes. This can slow you down significantly. Opt for well-constructed yarns that are less likely to catch on your needles.
Consider Yarn Weight: Bulky and super bulky yarns allow you to knit up large projects much faster. If your project permits, choosing a heavier weight yarn can be a great way to speed up the process without changing your knitting style.

Choosing a yarn that works well with your needles and pattern ensures smooth and efficient stitch work.

4. Learn to Knit Without Looking

It might sound like a superpower, but learning how to knit without looking at your hands can save you tons of time. Experienced knitters often find themselves watching TV, listening to audiobooks, or even chatting with friends while their hands work almost on autopilot.

Memorize Simple Patterns: Start with patterns that are repetitive, like garter stitch or stockinette stitch, where the knitting motion becomes muscle memory. This way, you can keep knitting while your attention is elsewhere.
Focus on Touch: Over time, your fingers will learn to "feel" the stitches. Practice knitting without looking for short bursts, then check your work. As you gain confidence, you’ll be able to knit for longer periods without having to constantly check each stitch.
Cables and Lace? Maybe Later: While knitting without looking is great for straightforward patterns, it’s not advisable for complex stitch patterns like cables or lace where you need to pay more attention to stitch counts and positioning.

Knitting without looking doesn’t happen overnight, but once you get there, it’s an incredible way to increase your productivity while enjoying other activities.

5. Use Stitch Markers and Row Counters

Stitch markers and row counters are more than just handy tools—they can be real time-savers during a project. They help you keep track of your progress, which in turn helps you knit faster without needing to constantly stop and recount your stitches or rows.

Place Markers for Pattern Repeats: If you’re working on a pattern that has repeats (for example, a lace or cable pattern), place stitch markers between each repeat section. This will save you from constantly needing to count stitches and make it easier to spot any mistakes early on.
Use a Row Counter for Complex Patterns: Keeping track of your rows, especially in intricate patterns, ensures you won’t lose your place and need to backtrack. Digital or mechanical row counters are simple to use and keep you moving forward without the hassle of constantly counting rows.
Keep It Organized: Using these tools to stay organized means less time spent correcting mistakes or rechecking your work. This helps you knit more smoothly and efficiently.

With stitch markers and row counters, you can focus on the enjoyment of knitting, knowing your tools are there to help you stay on track.

6. Streamline Your Movements

One way to improve your knitting speed is to evaluate your technique and eliminate unnecessary movements. Efficient knitting is all about small, fluid motions that don’t waste time or energy.

Shorten Your Strokes: When you're knitting, you might notice that you're moving your hands further than necessary to form each stitch. Focus on keeping your movements compact and close to the needles.
Keep Your Yarn Tension Steady: Inconsistent yarn tension can slow you down. Whether you hold your yarn in your left or right hand, aim for a grip that keeps your tension even and the yarn flowing smoothly.
Try Speed Knitting: Speed knitting methods, such as the "Lever" or "Irish Cottage" style, focus on minimal hand movement. These techniques involve holding the needle in a way that allows you to flick the yarn into place with a quick motion. While they take practice, speed knitting can drastically reduce the time it takes to complete a row.

Streamlining your knitting process might take time, but the payoff in speed and efficiency is well worth the effort.

7. Keep Practicing and Set Goals

The more you knit, the faster you’ll get—practice really does make perfect when it comes to speed knitting. Setting personal goals for improvement can help keep you motivated and allow you to track your progress.

Timed Knitting Sessions: Challenge yourself by timing how long it takes you to knit a set number of rows or stitches. Try to gradually reduce your time with each session.
Work on Your Weak Spots: If there’s a particular technique or stitch that slows you down, focus on practicing it. The more comfortable you become, the faster you’ll be.
Celebrate Progress: Don’t forget to acknowledge your improvements! Whether you’ve shaved off a few minutes from your knitting time or finished a project more quickly than usual, recognize your hard work.

With consistent practice, you’ll naturally see your knitting speed increase, making even big projects feel more manageable.

Knit Faster, Enjoy More

Speed knitting isn’t just about finishing projects quickly—it’s about maximizing your enjoyment and productivity.

By selecting the right tools, mastering efficient techniques like Continental knitting, and focusing on smooth, streamlined movements, you can significantly improve your knitting speed.

With practice and dedication, you’ll find yourself breezing through projects, giving you more time to take on even more creative challenges.

So, grab your needles, find a comfortable rhythm, and see just how quickly you can knit up your next masterpiece!

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